Baked Ziti(Good Meatless Dish During Lent.)
A hearty, cheesy baked ziti dish perfect for meatless Lent meals, featuring rich tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and flavorful herbs for a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 3-quart oblong baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, dried parsley flakes, and Italian herb seasoning.
- Add cooked and drained ziti pasta to the cheese mixture and stir well.
- Spread a layer of spaghetti sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Layer the pasta mixture over the sauce.
- Pour remaining spaghetti sauce over the pasta layer.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
- Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider incorporating sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms into the pasta mixture. You can also substitute the ziti with penne or rigatoni if preferred. If you want a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Baked ziti is excellent on its own but pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Consider serving it with a side of Nanni'S Frizzini to enhance your Italian dining experience. A light dessert like Lemon Italian Cookies can round out your meal perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover baked ziti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Ziti(Good Meatless Dish During Lent.) contains roughly 1263 calories, with 39g protein, 204g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (88% of the Daily Value), protein (79% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (41% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2195mg per serving (95% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature, then bake as directed.
Can I freeze baked ziti?
Absolutely! Baked ziti freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake until heated through.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you don't have ricotta cheese, you can substitute with cottage cheese or a blend of cream cheese and Greek yogurt for a similar texture. You can also use silken tofu for a dairy-free version, blending it until smooth before adding it to the mixture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).